Courtroom Deputy E-mail Address

Viola Button-Judge Barbara J. Houser bjh_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov

Julie Combs-Judge Robert L. Jones rlj_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov

Donna Jordan-Judge D. Michael Lynn dml_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov

Jodie Chapman-Judge Harlin D. Hale hdh_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov

Jana McCrory-Judge Russell F. Nelms rfn_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov

Traci Davis-Judge Stacey G.C. Jernigan sgj_settings@txnb.uscourts.gov

The following recommendations should be useful in enhancing the teleconference quality.

1. Speakerphones may not be used. It has been the court’s experience that background noise is magnified by the courtroom sound system and is too distracting.
2. Parties should speak using a normal telephone handset. Please be aware that noise from parties participating by phone is magnified by the sound system in the courtroom. Paper-shuffling, coughing, and any other noise is very distracting to all parties. If you have a mute feature on your phone, please use it.

Upon court approval, judicial staff will instruct the party requesting the phone hearing to arrange for the conference call to be set up and then dialed through to the appropriate chambers 1 . If more than one party will appear via phone, then the court will instruct a party to arrange for a conference call operator to set up the call on a single line. Placing a call to court late is the same as coming to court late. You will not be heard. Parties may not be added to a conference call once the hearing has commenced. On occasion, the court will dial a party directly.

1 These procedures are subject to judicial modification. You will be advised of any additional requirements when your request for teleconference is granted.

All participants must be in place and prepared for the conference call at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled hearing time. Parties must remember to state their name for the record before speaking.

Technical assistance or information regarding the configuration of teleconference equipment may be obtained from the Court Telecommunication Specialist, Tim Christnagel, at (214) 753-2020.